Art Berke, a lifelong White Sox fan, has worked at the highest levels of the sports industry with Major League Baseball, ABC Television and Sports Illustrated. He grew up in Northwest Indiana, in the shadow of old Comiskey Park, and proudly proclaims 2005 as the best year of his life. Art offers his glass half-full opinions and observations as he lives and dies with the Sox.

The Great John Wooden: 1910-2010

No one’s words have moved me as much as John Wooden‘s. While others have offered their views on sports and life, he has been the only one who resonates with me. His simple wisdom has been an inspiration.

With Coach Wooden’s passing last night at 99, I’d like to pay tribute to this great athlete, extraordinary teacher, incomparable coach, wise philosopher and fellow Hoosier with some of my favorite Wooden reflections. There will never be another like him.

Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Character is what you really are. Reputation is what people say you are.

There is no substitute for hard work. If you’re looking for the easy way, if you’re looking for the trick, you might get by for a while, but you will not be developing the talents that lie within you. There is simply no substitute for work.

Don’t be afraid to fail. The greatest failure of all is failure to act when action is needed. Use the information that you’ve acquired in the past through the experiences you’ve had and act with self control–but act.

You can’t have confidence unless you are prepared. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.

You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.

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2 Comments

I found out while at Dodger Stadium when Vin Scully came on the Diamondvision to announce it and pay tribute to coach. Coach was a wonderful man that has left us so much. He is now reunited with his beloved sweetheart Nellie. For the last oh..25 years he has written her a letter on the 21st of each month. What a man John Wooden was! rest in peace Coach!
Emmahttp://crzblue.mlblogs.com

I remember being taught the Pyramid of Success in 5th or 6th grade, and it had a pretty big impact on an 11 year old. John Wooden was a great man, and I never even saw him coach basketball. his influence changed the world with ideas and philosophies that everyone should heed. Just an amazing life and an amazing person…http://stlcardinals06.mlblogs.com/

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